SONIC Drive-In Dives into SEC Football Frenzy as Official Quick-Service Restaurant!

Hey there, sports fans and food lovers! Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® is here with some electrifying news that will have you buzzing with excitement! SONIC Drive-In, the champions of craveable food and fun, have teamed up with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and SEC Network in a game-changing, multi-year sponsorship. That's right, folks—SONIC is now the "Official Quick Service Restaurant of the SEC!"

This partnership started this July 1st, SONIC is hitting the gridiron with SEC football programming and productions across SEC Network, ABC, and ESPN. This isn't just a touchdown—it's a game-winning play for everyone involved!

“SONIC has always been in the heart of college and professional sports for the past 70 years, and we couldn’t be prouder to rally with our fans as the Official Quick Service Restaurant partner of the SEC,” said Ryan Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer of SONIC. “The SEC’s expanded reach means we’re closer than ever to our amazing guests and team members across the Southeast. We’re ready to bring the fun to college football this season—whether we’re at the pre-game tailgate or the afterparty, you can count on SONIC to be part of the action all season long.”

Now, let's talk about why this is a monumental win for SONIC and the SEC. Gen Z and Millennials are redefining the sports fandom landscape, and they crave experiences that go beyond the game. By aligning with the SEC, SONIC is capturing the hearts (and stomachs) of these dynamic, digital-savvy generations. Did you know that 62% of Millennials are avid sports fans, and Gen Z isn't far behind at 53%? These generations are social media mavens, amplifying their game day experiences across platforms, creating a ripple effect that drives brand loyalty and engagement.

Imagine the thrill of seeing SONIC's mouth-watering commercials during the “SEC on ABC” college football franchise and ABC/ESPN Noon College Football windows, all while connecting with fans on SEC Network. This isn’t just advertising; it’s an immersive experience that brings SONIC's vibrant energy to every home, tailgate, and watch party.

“At Disney, we’re passionate about developing unique opportunities for brands to connect with college football fans everywhere. This season, we are thrilled to welcome SONIC Drive-In as the Official Quick Service Restaurant of the SEC,” said Andrew Messina, SVP of Sales, Disney Advertising. “With SONIC on board, the fan experience will reach new heights for SEC fans across all Disney platforms.”

But wait, there’s more! SONIC is taking their game-day presence to the next level with on-site activations through SEC Nation, the network’s traveling football pre-game show, and other exciting opportunities throughout the season. Picture this: the smell of crispy tots and juicy burgers filling the air as you cheer on your favorite team. That's the kind of fan experience SONIC is bringing to the table.

“We are pleased to welcome SONIC as an official sponsor of the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “The SEC sponsor program is important to the mission of supporting SEC athletics programs and their student-athletes. The addition of SONIC strengthens an already robust family of sponsors for the Conference, and we look forward to SONIC’s participation in our programming and championship events.”

So, gear up, grab your favorite SONIC snack, and get ready to experience SEC football like never before. This partnership is a recipe for fun, flavor, and unforgettable moments. Let's make this season one for the record books, together!

Stay tuned, stay hungry, and let's celebrate this epic collaboration with SONIC and the SEC!

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday than tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues.